Thousands gather at AFRAM festival in Baltimore despite heat wave
- The AFRAM Festival in Baltimore is taking place on June 20 and 21, featuring performances from notable artists.
- Parking is available on a limited first-come, first-served basis, with public transportation strongly advised.
- The festival aims to create a safe environment amid a heat wave, emphasizing hydration and safety measures for attendees.
The 2025 AFRAM Festival, a celebration of Black culture, commenced on Saturday, June 20, and will continue through Sunday, June 21, in Baltimore's Druid Hill Park. The festival has attracted large crowds, with performances by notable artists such as Patti LaBelle, Juvenile, and Amerie scheduled throughout the weekend. Organizers anticipated significant attendance, necessitating strict parking restrictions and road closures around the event to accommodate the influx of participants and maintain safety. To manage the limited parking available at Druid Hill Park, which includes designated areas like Chinese Grove and the East Drive parking lot for ADA access, festival-goers are encouraged to use public transportation and ridesharing services. The city has also organized two shuttle routes to facilitate access to the festival, highlighting the importance of planning for transportation in light of larger crowds. In addition, Baltimore's surrounding neighborhoods will provide some street parking options. With an ongoing heat wave expected during the festival days, organizers have implemented safety measures to protect attendees from heat-related illnesses. Recommendations include drinking water, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and utilizing air-conditioned tents that have been set up across the venue. Medical personnel are stationed within the park to address any emergencies related to heat stress and ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. The festival is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast, reflecting its significance as a cultural gathering point. Coinciding with this event, several street closures have been enforced from June 20 to June 23, impacting traffic flow in the vicinity and emphasizing the city's commitment to facilitate a secure and enjoyable experience for festival attendees. The thorough preparations indicate a successful turnout with safety being prioritized, allowing for a vibrant expression of culture through food, music, and entertainment.